Former Gombe United's striker Sani Abbani who joined Niger Tornado said his dream is to play for the Super Eagles.
The striker who made his breakthrough while playing for Yarmalight before joining Gombe United expressed his appreciation to Yarmalight and Gombe United.
Abbani stated this in an interview with Daily Trust newspaper said he will never forget the two Gombe clubs.
This is the excerpt of the interview:
How did you start your football career?
Like any most Nigerian players, I started right from my primary school days. I continued in secondary school where I played in Shell Cup in the 2010/2011 edition. When I completed my secondary education, I played for Liverpool, an amateur club side in Gombe from where I moved to FC Yarmalight. It was from FC Yarmalight that Gombe United signed me. I was part of the Gombe United squad that gained promotion to Nigerian National League and then the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Did your family support your choice of career?
In enjoyed maximum support from my family, especially my father, Mohammed Abanni. He started encouraging me right from my primary school days. Unlike other parents, he didn’t stop me from playing football. As a matter of fact, even now if I ask him to give me money for boots, he will give me. And when I was playing for Gombe United, he usually came to watch me play. He hardly missed our home matches especially when he knew I was going to play.
How much are you going to miss Gombe United football club?
I cannot forget Gombe United because they really helped my career. Apart from being my home club, they provided the right platform for me to market myself.
The question now is why did you leave Gombe United to join Niger Tornadoes?
I did not leave Gombe United because of any problem. I don’t want anybody to feel that I have abandoned the club that helped bring me to limelight because of relegation. The truth is that I am a professional so I have to give priority attention to my career. It will help me more if I am playing in the topflight. Moreover, I needed to change environment. FC Yarmalight and Gombe United will live forever in my heart.
Talking of FC Yarmalight, what role would you say the proprietor of the club, Malam Farouk Yarma has played in your career?
Malam Farouk Yarma is like a big uncle and father to many of us. Honestly my story won’t be complete with a mention of his name. He has been so supportive. He has been there for me and is always ready to encourage me. There is no career decision that I make without input from him. I would have played for Gombe United long ago but each time they approached me, he told them to allow me grow first. So to answer your question, he is doing a lot for football in Gombe State.
What informed your choice of Niger Tornadoes as your next NPFL club?
Honestly at the end of last season, I had more than seven offers from NPFL clubs. However, the coach of Niger Tornadoes, Abubakar Bala showed more commitment. He discussed with my guardian, my parents and was able to convince me that he needs me. You see I like Coach Abubakar Bala so much because he is a young coach who likes giving opportunities to young players to blossom. Secondly, Niger Tornadoes are ambitious. They want to win laurels and that is my dream as a player.
So how are you coping with competition for shirts in the team?
So far so good, we are already like one big family. It is not just about me but the entire team. The coach is our leader and he takes all of us along. At the moment I am part of the pre-season in Kano and so far, it is not looking bad for me and Niger Tornadoes.
How excited were you when you played your first match in the NPFL for Gombe United?
I was really happy. My first match in the NPFL was against Lobi Stars in Gombe. We were losing the match 1-0 but when I was introduced, I provided two assists and we won the match 2-1. After the match, I was carried shoulder high but I didn’t know exactly what I did to deserve such honour. It was a special moment for me and my family.
How many goals did you score for Gombe United and which was your best goal?
I scored five goals and my best goal was the one I scored against El-kanemi Warriors in Gombe. After the game as I reached home, my father called me and told me that he was really proud of me. He congratulated me on the goal.
Which was your best match last season?
My best match was against FC IfeanyiUbah. I scored two goals but the referee disallowed one of the goals. We ended the match 2-2 and it was my best moment for the season.
What was your worst match?
My worst match was against Sunshine Stars in Akure. I did not even last long on the pitch. I was taken off when it became obvious to the coaches that I was not in the match. So on 38th minute, I was substituted. I felt so disappointed.
What is your target in Niger Tornadoes?
I played well last season but I want to redouble my efforts. I want to do times three of what I did. I have set a target of 17 goals for Niger Tornadoes.
Considering that there are other strikers in Tornadoes, do you think this is a realistic target?
By the grace of God, I will achieve my target. I pray for injury free season and support of my other colleagues. I know that by the special grace of God, Niger Tornadoes won’t regret signing me.
You are a young striker so how do you cope with bullish defenders?
I don’t believe in physicality but intelligence on and off the ball. Big defenders don’t scare me because I know that when you apply sense, you can beat the toughest defender. I surprised hard tackling Chinedu Udoji when we played against Kano Pillars. I gave him tough time and after the match, he came and shook my hand. He said I should keep it up.
What are your plans for 2018 CHAN?
Like the other strikers in the NPFL, I am also hoping that the coach will consider me and give me a chance to fight for a shirt in the team. Although I was not part of the team that prosecuted the qualifiers, I still believe it is not over for me. I am doing my best in the ongoing pre-season and I just hope the coach is also watching me. It is my dream to put on the green-white-green jersey of the Super Eagles so I look at the CHAN Eagles as the starting point. My dream is to play alongside John Mikel Obi and Ahmed Musa.
Who is your favourite player in the Super Eagles?
My favourite Super Eagles player is Ahmed Musa. Although I am yet to meet him, he is my mentor because we play the same style of football. It is my dream to play with him one day.
In what way would you say football has touched your life?
I have gained so much from playing football. Apart from the name I have made for myself and family, I have built two houses and I bought a car. In addition, I am helping my parents in taking care of some family needs. So I have every reason to thank God.
Most footballers are into drinking of alcohol and women......
I do not womanize or drink alcohol. I know it is not good for my health and career. My target now is to play professional football abroad after that I know I can marry. So for now, football is everything.
What is your dream club in Europe?
My dream club in Europe is Arsenal. I started supporting them right from childhood. As a matter of fact, my fans call me’ Sani Arsenal’. If you come to Gombe and ask for ‘Sani Arsenal’ they will take you to my house. I like Arsene Wenger because of the way he relates with his players and my present coach is also like that. He is so friendly with us.
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